WHRO sent a candidate questionnaire to every General Assembly candidate running to represent Hampton Roads districts.

As WHRO receives responses to the questionnaire, candidates will be added to this page.

District 70: Newport News

Michael Bartley, 45
Occupation: Aerospace engineer

Why are you running for your seat?
I cannot sit idly by while the Commonwealth of Virginia treats the poor as criminals, the middle class as children and justice is only given to the rich.

A year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, what is your stance on access to abortion services in Virginia?
It should remain the same as before Roe v. Wade was overturned.

Does your platform on abortion procedures include other reproductive care like birth control, dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures or treatments of ectopic pregnancies?
Birth control should be available over the counter without a prescription. Politicians should never be involved in medical decisions, only the doctor and the patient.

Do you support additional classes for public school students that have to do with the history of marginalized groups, such as Black history courses? Why or why not?
Classes such as these should be made available to those who want to take them, but not required for graduation.

Should there be limitations on access to certain books and materials in school libraries and classrooms? If so, what are examples of limitations you support?
Other than being age-appropriate, no, there should not be any limitations on what books are available in schools.

What is the role of parents in public education?
Parents are currently the "red-headed stepchild" of public education. School boards treat them like petulant little children, principals ignore them and school districts make it nearly impossible for parents to transfer their children to schools that better meet their needs. I support "backpack funding" for children. This will allow the state to fund children, not school districts. The parents will then be able to send their child to schools that best meet their child's needs.

There’s been a rash of suicides on Naval installations in Virginia. While state lawmakers have a limited role in what happens on base, what can Virginia’s leaders do to address this problem?
We can encourage our federal defense department to use their servicemen and women for defense instead of conquering and occupying countries all over the world.

With Virginia’s possible removal from RGGI, what other sources of funding can Hampton Roads look to in order to prepare for rising sea levels and recurrent flooding? Editor’s note: Editor’s note: Virginia regulators voted to formally remove the state from RGGI in June, after candidates first received this questionnaire. There are pending legal challenges to the decision.
Virginia could establish “levy districts,” which predate the Army Corp of Engineers so that locals can decide the level of funding required to protect their lands.

What forms of clean energy do you support and how quickly do you think Virginia should transition to them and away from fossil fuels?
I support all forms of energy and I will support externality taxes. All pollutions should be taxed based upon the damage that it causes. This will allow the price of polluting sources of power to be properly fixed. Renewable energies will be able to compete on the free market based on their economic viability, not based upon artificial subsidies.

According to a WHRO analysis that compares average income to average home prices, Hampton Roads housing is less affordable than any other metro area in Virginia. What can the state do to help people stay in or access safe, quality affordable housing?
Liberalize zoning law in the state. The state can force municipalities to have more liberal zoning laws that will allow more housing to be developed. Supply and demand are what determine the price of houses and municipalities restricting the supply causes the prices to go up.

It’s long been said Hampton Roads should diversify its job market. What industries or areas should we target to create more mid- to high-paying jobs in the region and how can the state support that?
The state can support jobs in Hampton Roads (along with the entire state) by ending corporate welfare and lowering corporate income tax. It is fundamentally unfair to tax profitable businesses and spend that money on their competitors. These corporate slush funds do not generate revenue, they just generate vacant buildings.

Shelly Simonds, 55
Occupation: Full-time delegate

Why are you running for your seat?
I am seeking re-election to the House of Delegates in order to continue representing the Newport News and Hampton Roads communities.

A year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, what is your stance on access to abortion services in Virginia?
People don’t want politicians involved in their healthcare plain and simple. My constituents want their representatives to protect their access to abortion and (the) ability to make healthcare choices without interference from politicians because health care decisions should be made between women and their doctors, not legislators. 

Does your platform on abortion procedures include other reproductive care like birth control, dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures or treatments of ectopic pregnancies?
All successful nations recognize the importance and power of birth control for helping women and their families lead healthy, productive lives. Access to birth control is an essential part of ensuring that young women can achieve their educational and professional goals before starting a family and improves the economic outlook for everyone in society, especially our most vulnerable. The D&C procedure is a critical life-saving procedure performed for women experiencing miscarriage or ectopic pregnancies and should not be politicized. If we continue to drag the abortion issue out of the healthcare space and into the political space, doctors will hesitate to perform these life-saving measures due to the threat of personal and professional consequences. This could lead to an increase to the already astronomically high maternal mortality rate and will increasingly discourage medical students from going into women’s healthcare. These MAGA Republicans who insist on politicizing women’s healthcare in this way are not just putting other families at risk, but may also be putting their own families in danger because eventually their loved one won't be able to find an OBGYN to care for them when they need it the most. 

Do you support additional classes for public school students that have to do with the history of marginalized groups, such as Black history courses? Why or why not?
Yes, because we are doing a disservice to our students by teaching an edited version of history. Our students need to understand the full history of Virginia to move forward as a society.

Should there be limitations on access to certain books and materials in school libraries and classrooms? If so, what are examples of limitations you support?
This debate is an example of the politicization of a core American value, the freedom to read and think what we want in a democracy. When politicians try to decide what books should be in a public library, they are denying other people their basic freedom to read and decide for themselves what is appropriate for their families. Legislators should not be making decisions about what we can and cannot read. Across Virginia, we’re seeing this politicization affect educational standards that have been in place for decades. Classic books that I remember loving and reading as a kid have been banned like “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Macbeth,” “Beloved” and “Anne of Green Gables.”

What is the role of parents in public education?
It’s so important for parents to be involved in their children’s education and join organizations like the PTA, as well as volunteer in their child’s classroom and help with homework. I am a former PTA President and educator. I emphatically encourage parents to get involved as much as possible in school and to work with their students’ teachers to ensure that our kids are best set up for success.

There’s been a rash of suicides on Naval installations in Virginia. While state lawmakers have a limited role in what happens on base, what can Virginia’s leaders do to address this problem?
We need to invest in more community mental health services, so that Virginians across the Commonwealth — especially our military families — have access to the care they need so that we can prevent these tragedies from occurring.

With Virginia’s possible removal from RGGI, what other sources of funding can Hampton Roads look to in order to prepare for rising sea levels and recurrent flooding? Editor’s note: Virginia regulators voted to formally remove the state from RGGI in June, after candidates first received this questionnaire. There are pending legal challenges to the decision.
Unfortunately, if Virginia leaves RGGI, there is no equal replacement funding to rely on to prepare for rising sea levels and recurrent flooding. RGGI has already generated over $650 million for resilience and energy efficiency projects. Leaving RGGI makes it harder for us to meet our clean energy goals and it makes it more difficult for us to fund and plan for the effects of our increasing weather emergencies. If the Youngkin administration follows through on their intentions to pull Virginia out of this agreement, it will damage Hampton Roads for years to come, limiting our ability to rebuild infrastructure and offer energy efficiency improvements to home owners, lowering the amount they have to spend on energy costs which means money in more people’s pockets.

What forms of clean energy do you support and how quickly do you think Virginia should transition to them and away from fossil fuels?
I support wind, solar and thermal energy. I also believe the cheapest form of energy is the energy you save through energy efficiency and conservation initiatives, like the RGGI program. 

According to a WHRO analysis that compares average income to average home prices, Hampton Roads housing is less affordable than any other metro area in Virginia. What can the state do to help people stay in or access safe, quality affordable housing?
We have to take housing issues very seriously, especially in Hampton Roads and at the state level. A recent State of the Region study from ODU found that housing may be hampering our region’s return to full employment and economic development. We need to increase funding and incentives for building new housing in Hampton Roads, so that families can afford to live and work in the area. Additionally, I support in-fill development and changing our zoning so that we can increase population density in suburban areas. 

It’s long been said Hampton Roads should diversify its job market. What industries or areas should we target to create more mid- to high-paying jobs in the region and how can the state support that?
One of our most impressive industries on the Peninsula is our science and technology sector with the presence of NASA Langley, Newport News Shipbuilding and Jefferson Lab. As a member of the Education Committee I am pushing to support our technology sector by emphasizing STEM education in our schools and implementing requirements for computer science instruction. The General Assembly can also support our technology sector by providing seed funding to strengthen the Jefferson Lab request to build a $500 million federally funded construction project to build the world’s most modern supercomputing and data analysis facility. 

Another potential growth sector for Hampton Roads is the development of advanced air mobility and companies that research unmanned aerial systems. The General Assembly can support this effort by putting a greater emphasis on business development in this area. I plan to sponsor legislation to create a new position of a “Drone Tzar” for the Commonwealth of Virginia to coordinate efforts in the area of unmanned vehicular system development.

Matt Waters, 56
Occupation: CEO of nonprofit consulting business

Matt Waters, 56
House District 70, Newport News
Occupation: CEO of nonprofit consulting business 

Why are you running for your seat?
My top three priorities are focused on Education, Economic Opportunity and Medical Freedom. With the rise of technological advancements, education is portable and affordable. My priority is outcome--or, put another way, are our 28,000 K-12 public school children being given the best education? I think everyone agrees there is room for major improvement. I will also advocate that we expand and extend Enterprise Zones across the Newport News area, offering businesses unforeseen opportunities to invest, tax free, in our city. My third priority is lofty, that of introducing a Medical Freedom Amendment to our Constitution. Medical freedom is a fundamental right. While we all hold different views, protecting each other’s medical rights unifies, while allowing for diversity. Let’s respect, and protect, our medical rights. 

A year after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, what is your stance on access to abortion services in Virginia?
I support the Governor's initiative to adopt liberal European democratic abortion standards, and drop the "abort live babies with heartbeats anytime anyplace anywhere" strategy adopted by the North Koreans, the Communist Chinese and the Democrat Party in America

.
Editor’s note: According to the U.S Democratic Party’s official party platform, there is no explicit mention of abortions up until the time of birth. Less than 1% of all abortions performed in the United States in 2020 (the most recent year available) occurred after 21 weeks of pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control. U.S. officials have reported instances of forced abortion in China, specifically against the Uyghur ethnic group, and some international media has reported on abortions taking place as late as six months into pregnancy, when fetal heartbeats are present. The U.S. State Department and United Nations have documented the practice of forced abortions in North Korea for several years, but have not provided details on what point during pregnancy those abortions happen.

Does your platform on abortion procedures include other reproductive care like birth control, dilation and curettage (D&C) procedures or treatments of ectopic pregnancies?
No, I don't support Planned Parenthood or the views of its founder Margaret Sanger who gave speech at a women’s branch of the Ku Klux Klan in Silver Lake, New Jersey, and who, in a letter, said, “We do not want word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population." Today, statistics tell us 40% of abortions are performed on Black women, who only make up 14% of the population.


Editor’s note: Birth control, D&C procedures and ectopic pregnancies are prescribed, carried out and treated in several medical settings, including hospitals. Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger did give a speech to a women’s branch of the KKK, an experience she documented in her own autobiography. Sanger did, in fact, write in a letter she didn’t want “word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population,” but fact-checkers have determined she meant that it was a claim she feared, not one she planned to carry out. However, Sanger was a known eugenicist, who believed in ‘improving’ the human gene pool by encouraging reproduction among people who were deemed superior and discouraging reproduction among people considered inferior, which included people of color, people with disabilities and others.

Do you support additional classes for public school students that have to do with the history of marginalized groups, such as Black history courses? Why or why not?
I support teaching the truth as truth, and theory as theory. 

Should there be limitations on access to certain books and materials in school libraries and classrooms? If so, what are examples of limitations you support?
We are faced with a failing education system that is failing our kids, and making it unsafe for teachers to teach. We need to protect teachers, students and parents, and we need to prioritize education in K-12; not anything-goes sex, not politics, not unions, not political correctness, etc. Teach the ABCs, not the LGBTQs. No place for it in K-12 education.

What is the role of parents in public education?
Parents should have rights (they don't in my view), and they must bear the primary responsibility for raising their children. I would give parents who sign a Rights and Responsibilities Pledge student vouchers worth $20,000 per child to make educational choices for their children. 

There’s been a rash of suicides on Naval installations in Virginia. While state lawmakers have a limited role in what happens on base, what can Virginia’s leaders do to address this problem?
The suicide epidemic -- which represents close to 50% of "gun violence" stats in USA is not a problem easily solved via politics. Loneliness, depression, despair -- these are not in the purview of government. Solutions that work will come from outside the government--non-profits, churches, etc. Work with NPs and specifically churches, to address this situation. 

With Virginia’s possible removal from RGGI, what other sources of funding can Hampton Roads look to in order to prepare for rising sea levels and recurrent flooding? Editor’s note: Virginia regulators voted to formally remove the state from RGGI in June, after candidates first received this questionnaire. There are pending legal challenges to the decision.
I agree with Gov. Youngkin's decision to pull out of this; the risk taken here is between individuals and their private insurance companies. They both know well the risk and challenge of rising sea levels. That the government seeks to control a changing sea level, changing coast lines, etc., is the height of absurdity. Generally, in the contest between man and nature, nature wins. 

What forms of clean energy do you support and how quickly do you think Virginia should transition to them and away from fossil fuels?
I am generally a proponent of an “all of the above” approach to energy, with a leaning toward nuclear as the ultimate carbon-free energy producing technology. I think Virginia should move towards SMRs (small modular reactors), as the current Governor is doing, with a reasonable balance of other “renewables” such as wind and solar, but with the understanding that neither wind nor solar can provide the reliable “baseload” power that Virginia needs in the long term. This transition will not happen quickly, but if we start now, it could be accomplished in the next 10 to 15 years.

According to a WHRO analysis that compares average income to average home prices, Hampton Roads housing is less affordable than any other metro area in Virginia. What can the state do to help people stay in or access safe, quality affordable housing?
Creating economic opportunities and better jobs and offering better educational options for K-12 education will help. I would also advocate granting married couples with children considerable tax relief--and pay married couples with children $3,000 annually per child until the child turns 18. I would also enact major economic empowerment zones for housing, thus incentivizing individuals to purchase houses tax-free for as long as they live in the home. 

It’s long been said Hampton Roads should diversify its job market. What industries or areas should we target to create more mid- to high-paying jobs in the region and how can the state support that?
1. Sell. We need to go directly to Europe, to other U.S. states, Latin and South America, and sell Hampton Roads to allies. 

2. Expand. Expand existing industry (ship building). I don't think the "state can support" this. … The government cannot give us all of the answers. I would counter that state regs, red tape, taxes, are the problem. We need to get the state out of the way, and empower and encourage local delegates and senators, who know their local industry, to champion and welcome new ideas from constituents.